Hyderabad, July 4, 2025 — The Indian National Committee of the World Mining Congress (INC-WMC) has successfully concluded a landmark International Conference on ‘Sustainable and Responsible Mining through Best Mine Closure Practices’ in Hyderabad. The event marked a significant milestone in India’s journey towards environmentally sound, socially responsible, and economically viable mining practices.
Bringing together an elite cohort of policymakers, environmental experts, industry leaders, and academics from India and abroad, the conference served as a platform to discuss global best practices in mine closure and long-term sustainability in the mining sector.
Leadership Speaks: A Vision for Greener Mining
The conference was graced by Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister for Coal & Mines and Patron of INC-WMC, who emphasized the importance of responsible resource extraction.
“Our vision is to transform India’s mining into a world-class sector that balances economic growth with environmental protection,” he stated in his keynote address.
Other prominent dignitaries included:
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Shri V.L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Mines & Co-Chairperson, INC-WMC
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Shri P.M. Prasad, Chairman, Coal India Ltd. & Member Secretary, INC-WMC
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Ms. Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal & Chairperson, Executive Committee INC-WMC
Ms. Brar set the thematic direction for the conference, reinforcing the government’s focus on sustainable mine planning, safe closure processes, and restoration of mined lands.
Knowledge Exchange and Global Collaboration
The event featured dynamic panel discussions, technical sessions, and keynote presentations by international and national experts, who showcased:
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Innovative mine closure techniques
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Environmental restoration models
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Post-mining land-use planning
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Digital tools for monitoring mine health and compliance
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Case studies on successful mine reclamation from various countries
The global exchange of ideas ensured that India remains aligned with international environmental standards while tailoring solutions to local socio-economic conditions.
Key Announcements and Strategic Releases
Several significant initiatives were unveiled during the conference to further strengthen India’s commitment to sustainable mining:
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Mission Green Booklet – A roadmap for ecological regeneration post-mine closure
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Vision Documents on Copper and Aluminium – Strategic blueprints for responsible development
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RECLAIM Framework – A pioneering structure for comprehensive mine reclamation
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Exploration Module of Single Window Clearance System (SWCS) – For faster, transparent project approvals
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24th Neyveli Book Fair – Promoting literacy and sustainability awareness
These releases mark a turning point in institutionalising sustainability and embedding best practices into the core operations of India’s mining ecosystem.
Industry-Wide Participation: A Unified Commitment
The conference saw overwhelming participation from top Indian mining and industrial giants, including:
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Coal India, NLC India, SCCL, MCL, SECL, Hindalco, NMDC, NTPC Mining
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Tata Steel, Adani, Reliance Industries, Jindal Power, JSW Group, BCCL, CMPDI, NALCO
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CCL, WCL, ECL, DVC, Hindustan Copper, GMDC, APMDC, and others
Their presence and inputs reinforced a shared commitment to innovation, safety, and environmental responsibility across the sector.
Closing Reflections: A Greener and Safer Tomorrow
In its concluding note, INC-WMC extended deep gratitude to all participants, experts, media, and partner institutions for their enthusiastic involvement and unwavering support. The conference successfully advanced INC-WMC’s mission to facilitate meaningful dialogue, policy innovation, and actionable strategies for a just and sustainable mining future.
With its collaborative tone, the event laid the groundwork for long-term industry reform, environmental stewardship, and global cooperation in mine closure and resource rehabilitation.
For more details, check press release on PIB website.
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